Austin, TX - For Suicide Prevention Week, Dr. Naya Jones facilitated a keynote talk and meditation on September 25, 2018 at the University of Texas at Austin.

During the talk, students, staff, and faculty experienced guided meditation and explored self-care myths. Titled “Get Rooted: Reimagining Self-Care”, the keynote discussed an approach to self-care and suicide prevention that emphasizes community, connection, and social justice. Participants also had an opportunity to reflect on how they already practice self-care.

“I think the only way to engage self-care as a topic, is to practice it together,” Jones said. “The keynote was designed to be immersive and experiential.”

To create a reflective space, Jones incorporated drumming and built a small altar for the event. The event included pictures of family, flowers, and other objects that are part of her personal practice.

“As a facilitator, I focus on co-creating a space for reflection,” Jones said. “The main invitation is for all of us, myself included, to be present.”

The keynote included inspirational quotes from well-known meditator-activists, including Thich Nhat Hanh and bell hooks. To support their self-care journeys, participants had an opportunity to sign up for a monthly e-letter. The e-letter includes further resources for everyday self-care.

For more on the keynote and on Suicide Prevention Week, read The Daily Texan news story.

To bring Jones to your school, organization, or community for a talk or workshop, contact Dr. Naya and team at www.nayajones.com/connect.